A Teen Spy Thriller is Headed to Screens – And It Could Be the Next Big YA Phenomenon
Electric Entertainment, the Los Angeles-based production powerhouse behind hits like Leverage and The Librarians, has just dropped exciting news at MIPCOM: they’re adapting Dana Elazar-Halevi’s bestselling YA book series Secret Mission into a live-action TV show. But here’s where it gets interesting—this isn’t just another solo venture. The project is a major international co-production, teaming up with France’s The Co-Production Company (a subsidiary of Superprod Group) and Israel’s Ananey Studios, with filming spanning across France, Italy, and the UK.
Described as a high-octane blend of espionage, romance, and coming-of-age drama, Secret Mission throws teens into a world of globetrotting intrigue, set against iconic urban backdrops. Think Leverage meets Alex Rider, but with a fresh, youthful energy. The announcement was made jointly by Electric Entertainment CEO Dean Devlin, The Co-Production Company’s executive producers Doug Schwalbe and Amy Friedman, and Ananey Studios’ VP of International Relations, Hila Pachter.
“This is our first foray into international co-production, and diving into the YA market feels like the perfect next step,” Devlin shared. “The series has that same clever, team-driven energy as *Leverage—full of twists, high-stakes missions, and characters you root for. Translating this from page to screen is going to be something special.”*
But wait—there’s more breaking news.
In a parallel move, Electric Entertainment secured a $20 million investment from Content Partners Capital (CPC), the private equity arm of entertainment financiers Content Partners. This injection of capital will fuel the studio’s aggressive expansion plans, following a streak of deals CPC has closed since its 2022 launch.
“This partnership lets us keep growing at the speed our fans and partners expect,” Devlin added, hinting at future projects. “We’ve built a reputation for turning shows like *The Librarians and The Ark into enduring franchises. With CPC’s backing, we’re doubling down on that legacy.”*
Now, here’s the controversial bit:
While international co-productions often mean richer storytelling, they can also spark debates about creative control. Will this multi-country collaboration dilute the series’ original vision—or elevate it? And with YA adaptations flooding the market (The Hunger Games prequel, anyone?), does Secret Mission have what it takes to stand out?
What do you think? Are international co-prods the future of YA TV, or do they risk losing authenticity? Drop your take in the comments!
